Herman Hollerith's invention of the tabulating machine transformed the way census data was collected and analyzed in the United States. Prior to this innovation, census counting was a labor-intensive and time-consuming process, often requiring years to compile and assess the data accurately. The 1890 census was particularly significant as the nation had experienced rapid population growth and industrial expansion, thus necessitating a more efficient way to manage and analyze demographic information. With the adoption of Hollerith's machine, which used punched cards to automate the counting process, the Census Bureau could complete the task with unprecedented speed. The tabulating machine allowed for far quicker processing of data, thereby reducing the time required to publish census results from years to months.

This change also represented a broader trend towards mechanization in various fields, laying the groundwork for future developments in data processing and analytics. By automating aspects of census-taking, the Census Bureau could not only handle larger volumes of data but also improve accuracy and consistency in records. The success of Hollerith's machines during the 1890 census led to further advancements in statistical analysis and the eventual establishment of the Bureau of the Census as a critical component of the federal government’s data collection efforts.

Furthermore, the use of tabulating machines heralded the beginning of modern data processing systems, evolving into computerized methods by the mid-20th century. Hollerith's company later became part of IBM, leading to the development of technologies that are central to data analysis today. The foundational visions brought forth with the introduction of these machines continue to influence how data is gathered and processed in contemporary society, fundamentally altering the landscape of data science and analytics.